John 14:27, "27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
As the crucification draws near, Jesus said to His disciples that He would be going away from them The disiciples was troubled. I believed they love Jesus. A departure of Christ wouldn't do for them. No doubt they didn't watch and pray with Jesus but they still love Jesus. Their hearts love Jesus. That is the essence of a Christian.
A love for Christ and Christ knew that. So He speaks words of comfort to the disciples that He will give them peace. Not from the World but from Jesus, Himself. From the God of the universe. That my friend is fortitude in the fort of Jesus. Jesus told the disciples that He would soon be glorified by going back to the Father. He says that to encourage their hearts. I think the heart of this message is Jesus is saying that He will leave this troubled world and return to the Father who dwells in peace. I believe Christ wants the disciple to look at a hope of absolute deliverance.
And the disciples would have peace because they love Jesus and they would love the hope of meeting Christ one day.
I hope all of us are reminded that the ultimate goal of any Christian is that he must love Christ above all else. We can't say we love Christ and not obey His commandments. We can't say we are doing God's will when we can't even say we love Christ. The most basic of Christianity is to love Christ.
Only when a heart is fully after Jesus, it wouldn't be afraid coz Jesus is fully yours and you are fully His.
My friend, seek for such a love for God. I promise by the promise of God, that there will be a supernatural peace that will guard your heart from the viles of the world and that is glad because you know in your own heart, you are loved by Jesus and you love Jesus.
Make that a conviction that will carry you through the new year.
Amen
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Heavenly Host
Today the road to the Christmas Musical has ended.
It has been months and months of preparation. As the curtains draws, I did feel a sense of relief yet there is also a deep gratefulness to God for wonderfully using this musical to give the message of His sacrificial love. Yet at the same time, I felt it was a most wonderous time of worship. The musicians and choir gave I believe a glimpse of how the heavenly host of angels would be singing and some day all of us would also be part of that choir host singing majestic melodious melody.
I also thanked God that so many of the campus family could serve in this musical and for Gail, Jonathan Tan and Andrew helped in unseen ways. I believe each one of them had enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
I believe many has heard the gospel today. I do hope by the grace of God, they would truly come to the saving knowledge of Christ. And that also brings the heavenly host to sing.
Hearing the music being played out and the cast enjoyed their time, it was a testimony again of how God's people doing God's work can have the joy of the Lord. It has been tiring, yet, I believe the smile of God is on the faces of those who desire to worhsip Jesus.
Amen.
It has been months and months of preparation. As the curtains draws, I did feel a sense of relief yet there is also a deep gratefulness to God for wonderfully using this musical to give the message of His sacrificial love. Yet at the same time, I felt it was a most wonderous time of worship. The musicians and choir gave I believe a glimpse of how the heavenly host of angels would be singing and some day all of us would also be part of that choir host singing majestic melodious melody.
I also thanked God that so many of the campus family could serve in this musical and for Gail, Jonathan Tan and Andrew helped in unseen ways. I believe each one of them had enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
I believe many has heard the gospel today. I do hope by the grace of God, they would truly come to the saving knowledge of Christ. And that also brings the heavenly host to sing.
Hearing the music being played out and the cast enjoyed their time, it was a testimony again of how God's people doing God's work can have the joy of the Lord. It has been tiring, yet, I believe the smile of God is on the faces of those who desire to worhsip Jesus.
Amen.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Christmas
I had hope that one day I can spend Christmas, perhaps in Switzerland, in a wooden cottage in the middle of the woods, and in the wooden cottage, a nice warm fuzzy fire place. And beside that wooden cottage would be a lake, which is frozen and when the sun set, the shadow of the sun would look enchanting.
But it is nothing like the first Christmas when Christ was born. He was in lowly manger, perhaps that night it was cold. But that is how our humble king, Jesus Christ came into this world.
Yet I am most amazed about this. That His coming gave us love. There is no greater love for God to be born as a man destined to go to the cross to die for our sin. A birth meant for the cross. But this one GREAT act of dying on the cross brings life to all who would believe in Him.
The fireplace might seemingly give us physical warmth. But what is more needful is the spiritual light and warmth that Jesus can bring to every soul who trust Him for the forgiveness of their sin and receive Him as Lord and Saviour. This gift abides forever and is the true and everlasting joy He can bring for all Christmas.
Joy to the World, how apt is this Christmas Song. Joy to the World, the Lord is come :)
Deliverance
My colleagues love to order takeaway from Pizza Hut and KFC now and then in the office. And when the food comes, we rejoice coz it was with anticipation that we waited for the food.
There are somethings we anticipates for but yet it is not answer [delivered]. I think in the same manner as the takeway order, we desire deliverance, yet when it doesn't come yet, I hope we anticipate a deliverance that brings greater joy.
I learn a lesson today. And it is going to be a needful prayer. But I anticipate it to happen coz it is amazing that while I should feel terribly discouraged, I realised that meditation on the excellencies of God, His great deliverance shall be the greatest delivery of the greatest gift.
God will glorify Himself again and again. I can't explain the exact mechanics of how things will happen but one thing I know that through scriptures, God is faithful and He will do it.
Help me God to now thrust towards that.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12
There are somethings we anticipates for but yet it is not answer [delivered]. I think in the same manner as the takeway order, we desire deliverance, yet when it doesn't come yet, I hope we anticipate a deliverance that brings greater joy.
I learn a lesson today. And it is going to be a needful prayer. But I anticipate it to happen coz it is amazing that while I should feel terribly discouraged, I realised that meditation on the excellencies of God, His great deliverance shall be the greatest delivery of the greatest gift.
God will glorify Himself again and again. I can't explain the exact mechanics of how things will happen but one thing I know that through scriptures, God is faithful and He will do it.
Help me God to now thrust towards that.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Part I...to be continued..
A man asked himself, "Why do I live?" And he heard from within "Because you are not dead yet."
The man then asked, "Why am I am not dead?" And he answered, "Beacuse I am alive."
The man then asked, "Why am I am not dead?" And he answered, "Beacuse I am alive."
Monday, December 15, 2008
When circumstances doesn't allow
It can be frustrating when one event after another comes on top of one another. It can be distressing when one email after another doesn't bring good news.
It can be disheartening when people also misunderstand.
In the midst of all these, I begin to realise what it means that circumstantial happiness is transient.
Somehow I realise that my mind has to be narrowly and attentively focus on God.
Things may assail me but God is with me.
That thought has kept comforting me throughout.
And I also realise one very vital importance that will always keep me joyful. Remember to do the work of the Lord and do things in such a way that will advance God's kingdom. That will count.
In the midst of business, let me not forget, His work still takes priority and His grace will be ever sufficient. Faith takes a fresh meaning. Wisdom from God takes a more needy request.
This is joy eternal in God dependence.
It can be disheartening when people also misunderstand.
In the midst of all these, I begin to realise what it means that circumstantial happiness is transient.
Somehow I realise that my mind has to be narrowly and attentively focus on God.
Things may assail me but God is with me.
That thought has kept comforting me throughout.
And I also realise one very vital importance that will always keep me joyful. Remember to do the work of the Lord and do things in such a way that will advance God's kingdom. That will count.
In the midst of business, let me not forget, His work still takes priority and His grace will be ever sufficient. Faith takes a fresh meaning. Wisdom from God takes a more needy request.
This is joy eternal in God dependence.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The City of Tears
Luke 2:10,"Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings fo great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of Daivd is a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Eternal joy in God can only be fully known in death.
Yet it seems death is harsh and cruel and it can be so sudden. Jesus wept at death.
Great joy comes only to those who know the Saviour. Death has no sting. While it seems harsh and cruel, still the comforting truth, great joy abound and awaits those who trust in Christ.
The City of this world abound in tears for death is a certain route all must take but so is all who are in Christ, who only in death, will meet the Lord in joy.
Christmas made this possible.
Eternal joy in God can only be fully known in death.
Yet it seems death is harsh and cruel and it can be so sudden. Jesus wept at death.
Great joy comes only to those who know the Saviour. Death has no sting. While it seems harsh and cruel, still the comforting truth, great joy abound and awaits those who trust in Christ.
The City of this world abound in tears for death is a certain route all must take but so is all who are in Christ, who only in death, will meet the Lord in joy.
Christmas made this possible.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The bench
When I took up a pen and there made a first contact onto the paper, I began to write...
When I strike the first string on the guitar, there I began to pluck...
When I see the giver of life, I call Him as my Saviour..
In life there are many beginnings...it is worth the wait if it ends up in bringing comfort to your soul...
It all begins with the cross...
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Journey to the West...Malaysia
It was a lovely 8am morning, except for the rain...yet it was nice just to unwind the stresses away, driving up the nice cosy highway of peninsula malaysia.
Thank God for the day...driving through scenic rainy road at having a nice shower, except the car kept us dry.
It took 2.5hr to reach Tampin, met JonT at the toll and he led us to Gail's house. Gail's house is very nice and I called it a kampung house to her disapproval. To me, anything that is in the countryside is kampung. Sorry Gail, I am swakoo. Met Gail's dad and sister. Her house is warm and cosy ..and interestingly different from Singapore...have fruit trees and loads of greenery outside....
Our mission was to try some of the local delights. JonT was guide for the day. Tampin didn't had much to try so we decided to head to the nearby Seremban town. Gail's dad gave him some useful advice. And we head to try the "Yong Tau Foo". Huge and larger than life ones...Singapore ones really are small and miserable in comparison. RM0.70 per piece. Super cheap considering the size. When we reached there...the "Yong Tau Foo" was running low...JonT asked how many pieces we wanted...We were all famished...He suggested 15 but was pushed eventually to 30 pieces. We didn't ate proportional to the number of people and I guess size do matters...haha There were 2 kinds that were served...in soup and fried..both taste good coz the fish paste is fresh...any fresher it would be a live fish...
Gail tucking away....her smile says a thousand slurps...
Next we went to check out the "Siew Bao" Turn out they were not ready. We tried the pineapple tarts instead. Wow nice. Packed with pinepapple puree. Really packed. Got 10...haha and also packed 10 "Siew Bao." Siew Bao is fried "Char Siew Bao". JonT said there is another nicer confectionary that sell this. We got it as well, later...another 20..JonT got some kaya bao also...and tasked me to bring back to Singapore to pass to Andrew...so touching...
Then we went to try the "teochew muey". JonT said it is a bit similar to the one we had in Singapore in Henderson except it taste better. Indeed the steamed minced pork is nice..comes with chestnut bits...it was simple yet appetising.
JonT gives his thumbs up.
The journey back from Seremban to Tampin...the fog hovering the nearby hills were enchanting..took this from the car window, JonT took over the wheels...
We then head back to Tampin. We met up with Gail's dad and he suggested we have dinner at a nearby restaurant. Our stomach was quite full but he reasoned that it was 2 hrs since we last eat, the capacity should be back. We gave hesistant answers yet still went .... When the food came, so did our appetite miraculously returned. Assam curry groupa, cereal bean curd, rojak chicken, kailan....each is fabulous...my plan of leaving at 7pm evaporated as each dish gave extra reason to slow down our biting motion...
The dinner before our journey home. It was very nice. The rojak chicken is superb...so is the Assam garoupa and ya..everything else...haha
And eventually it was time to leave, the fellowship with food makes it hard to say goodbye. Gail's dad foot the bill at restaurant..Thanks uncle..it was delicious. Indeed we had a great time at Tampin and Seremban. Malaysia sure had its hidden treasure.
We left at 7.50pm instead. The journey home was interesting. Jam along the highway...7 accidents in all. We saw that many in one night and reached the 2nd link only at 10.30pm. In between, had to pump petrol coz the start stop exhausted more petrol than calculated but the queue at the gas station also leaves one's heart pumping...eventually we reached checkpt at 10.30pm and endure an AMAZING 4hr wait at 2nd link..the queue of cars covered 1/2 the 2nd link...it is that bad....
Patience won its day but the memory of good company and good food leaves one heart (and stomach) a more lasting memory.
There is a mysterious voice that says, "We must be back."
Thank God for a good day of rest nevertheless and good discovery.
Thank Gail and JonT...for being wonderful hosts :)
Too bad my handphone memory low..or else would have taken many more scenery pics...oh well, the melody of the food still rings loud and clear... :)
Thank God for the day...driving through scenic rainy road at having a nice shower, except the car kept us dry.
It took 2.5hr to reach Tampin, met JonT at the toll and he led us to Gail's house. Gail's house is very nice and I called it a kampung house to her disapproval. To me, anything that is in the countryside is kampung. Sorry Gail, I am swakoo. Met Gail's dad and sister. Her house is warm and cosy ..and interestingly different from Singapore...have fruit trees and loads of greenery outside....
Our mission was to try some of the local delights. JonT was guide for the day. Tampin didn't had much to try so we decided to head to the nearby Seremban town. Gail's dad gave him some useful advice. And we head to try the "Yong Tau Foo". Huge and larger than life ones...Singapore ones really are small and miserable in comparison. RM0.70 per piece. Super cheap considering the size. When we reached there...the "Yong Tau Foo" was running low...JonT asked how many pieces we wanted...We were all famished...He suggested 15 but was pushed eventually to 30 pieces. We didn't ate proportional to the number of people and I guess size do matters...haha There were 2 kinds that were served...in soup and fried..both taste good coz the fish paste is fresh...any fresher it would be a live fish...
Gail tucking away....her smile says a thousand slurps...
Next we went to check out the "Siew Bao" Turn out they were not ready. We tried the pineapple tarts instead. Wow nice. Packed with pinepapple puree. Really packed. Got 10...haha and also packed 10 "Siew Bao." Siew Bao is fried "Char Siew Bao". JonT said there is another nicer confectionary that sell this. We got it as well, later...another 20..JonT got some kaya bao also...and tasked me to bring back to Singapore to pass to Andrew...so touching...
Then we went to try the "teochew muey". JonT said it is a bit similar to the one we had in Singapore in Henderson except it taste better. Indeed the steamed minced pork is nice..comes with chestnut bits...it was simple yet appetising.
JonT gives his thumbs up.
The journey back from Seremban to Tampin...the fog hovering the nearby hills were enchanting..took this from the car window, JonT took over the wheels...
We then head back to Tampin. We met up with Gail's dad and he suggested we have dinner at a nearby restaurant. Our stomach was quite full but he reasoned that it was 2 hrs since we last eat, the capacity should be back. We gave hesistant answers yet still went .... When the food came, so did our appetite miraculously returned. Assam curry groupa, cereal bean curd, rojak chicken, kailan....each is fabulous...my plan of leaving at 7pm evaporated as each dish gave extra reason to slow down our biting motion...
The dinner before our journey home. It was very nice. The rojak chicken is superb...so is the Assam garoupa and ya..everything else...haha
And eventually it was time to leave, the fellowship with food makes it hard to say goodbye. Gail's dad foot the bill at restaurant..Thanks uncle..it was delicious. Indeed we had a great time at Tampin and Seremban. Malaysia sure had its hidden treasure.
We left at 7.50pm instead. The journey home was interesting. Jam along the highway...7 accidents in all. We saw that many in one night and reached the 2nd link only at 10.30pm. In between, had to pump petrol coz the start stop exhausted more petrol than calculated but the queue at the gas station also leaves one's heart pumping...eventually we reached checkpt at 10.30pm and endure an AMAZING 4hr wait at 2nd link..the queue of cars covered 1/2 the 2nd link...it is that bad....
Patience won its day but the memory of good company and good food leaves one heart (and stomach) a more lasting memory.
There is a mysterious voice that says, "We must be back."
Thank God for a good day of rest nevertheless and good discovery.
Thank Gail and JonT...for being wonderful hosts :)
Too bad my handphone memory low..or else would have taken many more scenery pics...oh well, the melody of the food still rings loud and clear... :)
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Saturation
Been reading Philippians again and again and again and again. Finally I think I realise what John MacArthur says..read the same passage on and on and on till you know the whole text..till it recycles in your mind, till you meditate it day and night.
And that is what I have done for 3 weeks now. Eating and drinking Philippians. The amazing thing is the verses in Philippians keep popping up my mind and I keep thinking about the text again and again.
It is really helpful. Really. I never thought deep and hard of a verse, a passage. And the whole context of the passage.
Indeed it is blessed. So blessed. That I can't describe the insights that was given. And the life and hearbeat of Paul becomes illuminating and a call to emulate. Paul says "imitate me and so imitate Christ."
It has been a rewarding endeavour.
Thank God.
And that is what I have done for 3 weeks now. Eating and drinking Philippians. The amazing thing is the verses in Philippians keep popping up my mind and I keep thinking about the text again and again.
It is really helpful. Really. I never thought deep and hard of a verse, a passage. And the whole context of the passage.
Indeed it is blessed. So blessed. That I can't describe the insights that was given. And the life and hearbeat of Paul becomes illuminating and a call to emulate. Paul says "imitate me and so imitate Christ."
It has been a rewarding endeavour.
Thank God.
Friday, December 5, 2008
1 min
1 min before I pass on from this world.
What would my conscience say about my life?
1 min before I see Christ, what song will I sing, or will I sing any?
1 min....
Or do I have that 1 min?
What would my conscience say about my life?
1 min before I see Christ, what song will I sing, or will I sing any?
1 min....
Or do I have that 1 min?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
God gave grace to those who pierced Him
10 “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. Zechariah 12:10
God is abundantly gracious to murderers.
Whatever that may assail one, remember the grace of God is abundant to the chief of sinners.
This thought has gave me great comfort. The look to Christ, is the gift of the Spirit of Grace.
God is love and in that love cometh grace.
This knowledge has held me and is still holding me.
God gave grace to those who pierced Him. Imagine that.
God is abundantly gracious to murderers.
Whatever that may assail one, remember the grace of God is abundant to the chief of sinners.
This thought has gave me great comfort. The look to Christ, is the gift of the Spirit of Grace.
God is love and in that love cometh grace.
This knowledge has held me and is still holding me.
God gave grace to those who pierced Him. Imagine that.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Lord is everything
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Tim 6:17
Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
2 Tim 2:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom but the fear of men is a snare.
God is the centre of everything. How we really know life, to have a life to its fullest joy and satisfaction still it is when we trust in the living God. The giver and source who gives us richly all things to enjoy. God is a never a killjoy. And God is a giver of real joy.
Consider what I say, and my the Lord give you understanding in all things.
How to we live this life? Read 2 Tim 2:7 again and again.
Everything is of the Lord. Let your mind be renewed by the Lord. Consider what I say...Consider..The Lord is everything.
Let us seek understanding from the Lord and He will give you understanding. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.(c.f. James 1:5)
Real purposeful living is purposed in God.
Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
2 Tim 2:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom but the fear of men is a snare.
God is the centre of everything. How we really know life, to have a life to its fullest joy and satisfaction still it is when we trust in the living God. The giver and source who gives us richly all things to enjoy. God is a never a killjoy. And God is a giver of real joy.
Consider what I say, and my the Lord give you understanding in all things.
How to we live this life? Read 2 Tim 2:7 again and again.
Everything is of the Lord. Let your mind be renewed by the Lord. Consider what I say...Consider..The Lord is everything.
Let us seek understanding from the Lord and He will give you understanding. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.(c.f. James 1:5)
Real purposeful living is purposed in God.
Monday, December 1, 2008
A melody..A song
When would light be light?
When it breaks darkness.
How would the love of God shine?
When our pathway seems the bleakest...
John Bunyan said this before in his book "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" that he who is down can only go up.
The pathway to Christ crucification is anything but bright, is anything but victorious, is anything but overcoming.
Yet in death, He gave victory.
How would a voice praise God glorify Him? When it is not possible to praise God, yet you will praise Him.
Somehow at this time of feeling intense pulse of life deep burdens, I can somehow see God's abiding presence.
I could only thank God for this grace.
When it breaks darkness.
How would the love of God shine?
When our pathway seems the bleakest...
John Bunyan said this before in his book "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" that he who is down can only go up.
The pathway to Christ crucification is anything but bright, is anything but victorious, is anything but overcoming.
Yet in death, He gave victory.
How would a voice praise God glorify Him? When it is not possible to praise God, yet you will praise Him.
Somehow at this time of feeling intense pulse of life deep burdens, I can somehow see God's abiding presence.
I could only thank God for this grace.
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